Odin Symbol: Best Viking Symbols that call up Odin's supreme power

Posted by Ms Elly on August 25, 2018

Odin Symbol: Best Viking Symbols that call up Odin's supreme power

In Norse mythology, Odin was the supreme god who used his power to rule over Asgard the land of Norse gods. Most of the time, Odin travelled far from his Asgard in a disguise of an old man to gain more knowledge. With the places he had been and the experience he had been through, Odin had for himself many divine Viking symbols.

1. Valknut the Welcome of Odin

Valknut was the symbol of three interlocking triangles pointing upwards. Though this symbol appeared many times in ancient depictions, the name "Valknut" has just been coined in later centuries. To the belief of the Norsemen, Valknut symbol was the welcoming gesture of Odin offering to the fallen warriors. Odin welcomed to come and live in Valhalla the Golden Hall of the fallen in Asgard.

Ancient depiction of Valknut symbol on a stone found in Sweden

Valknut symbol presenting the names of Nine Worlds

The modern interpretation has stretched the meaning of Valknut beyond Odin's welcome. It not only presents Odin's power but also the power of the holy number Three (See more: Divine Numbers in Norse Myth). It symbolizes three basic elements of the worlds (air, fire, and earth); three phases of life (infancy, growth, and death); three stages of the cosmos (creation, conservation, and destruction); three things of humanity connection (mind, body, and spirit); etc. Many pieces of Viking jewelry root their inspiration in the Viking Valknut symbol.

2. A pair of wolves

In Ragnarok, Fenrir was set to slay Odin. But the pair of wolves in Norse mythology was a symbol of Odin. Odin raised a pair of wolves named as Freki and Geri as his constant companions. Anywhere Odin went, the pair would accompany him. Odin even gave them all of his food.

Odin and his pair of wolves

The meaning of wolves is somehow complicated as this animal suffers the most controversies in myth. To put it simply, wolf captures the spirit of a warrior: a daring mind, a brave heart full of energy, the unbreakable loyalty to his pack and family, and a burning desire to set himself free from any chain. (See more: Double Wolf Head Viking Jewelry of Odin's Offspring)

3. A pair of ravens

Like wolves, ravens were also the constant companions of Odin. The trio (Valknut symbol, wolves, and ravens) often appeared together to symbolize Odin's presence.

Ravens embody the mental power of Odin. They are the messengers of Odin and the storytellers for Odin. The Vikings used the bird symbols in armour and shields to evoke the power of Odin in their battles as well.

Ravens of Odin below the Valknut symbol

4. Eight-legged Horse

Loki once gave Odin an eight-legged horse who could gallop through the air and through the land. The horse was known as Sleipnir and Loki mothered him. Whenever there was a sight of an eight-legged horse, Odin was there. Any depiction of an eight-legged horse referred to Odin.

5. Triple Horn: three interlocking horns

Triple horn is another Viking symbol that is connected with the divine number three. The symbol presents the story of Odin's pursuit of the Mead of Poetry. The primary meaning of Triple Horn revolves around Odin's nonstop desire for knowledge. Three horns presented three times Odin drank the special Mead.

The deeper layer of meaning of Triple Horn is the sacrifice made for wisdom. Odin had to exchange some of his things such as wits, time, energy, etc. to gain more wisdom. It's a lesson that we can learn from Odin (See more: Lessons that We Can Learn From Odin)